The Finder S1 by HSFTOOLS is the most affordable thermal camera I’ve ever used. Compared to the FLIR ONE Pro and Xinfrared InfiRay P2 Pro that I tested earlier, the Finder S1 holds its own in many respects.
Disclosure: We received the thermal camera as a courtesy for review purposes. However, the review is intended to provide honest, unbiased insights about the product, based on personal experiences and observations.
Portable Design & Easy Setup
The Finder S1 weighs just 0.92oz (26g), it is significantly lighter than its competitors and comes in a carrying case, so you can carry it during fieldwork. The Finder S1 can be easily plugged to the USB-C port of your Android phone, then you can install the app and use it immediately. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with iPhones although they also use the USB-C port.
Another notable feature of the Finder S1 is its efficiency. It eliminates the need for an internal battery, drawing just 0.31W of power directly from a connected Android device. This design allows the camera to operate for extended use. In my test, I could use the thermal camera continuously for 1-2 hours. The battery of my phone drains mostly due to the display remaining on throughout the session, rather than the camera itself consuming significant power. So I no longer have to worry about recharging the battery like I did with the FLIR ONE Pro.
The app for the Finder S1 thermal camera is intuitive and responsive, performing seamlessly during my tests without freezing or lagging. One useful feature is that it launches automatically when the camera is plugged in, saving valuable time and ensuring a quick start. The app also recalibrates the camera automatically every 10 seconds to maintain accuracy, though this frequent recalibration can be distracting. Fortunately, it offers the option to disable automatic recalibration, allowing users to switch to manual control for a smoother experience. One downside I noticed is that the temperature readings don’t rotate when the phone is turned to landscape mode, which can make it inconvenient to read data.
Imaging Performance and Applications
The imaging capabilities of the Finder S1 is not bad at all. Utilizing Live Super Resolution enhancement, it boosts its native 96×96 IR detector resolution to an impressive 720×720 thermal imaging resolution. This enhancement delivers fairly clear and detailed visuals, making it easy to identify temperature anomalies. You can also turn on the phone camera to know what you’re looking at. While the FLIR ONE Pro offers a higher native resolution of 160×120 and the InfiRay P2 Pro delivers a native resolution of 256×192, the Finder S1’s 96×96 resolution is more than enough for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. One disadvantage of the Finder S1 is that it captures less detail compared to higher-resolution thermal cameras. This means that while it is sufficient for general tasks like identifying hot and cold spots in a home, it may struggle with finer details in complex scenarios. Sometimes, it would require closer inspection to pinpoint the problem accurately. For instance, the thermal image might show a general cooler area near a receptacle but could blur the edges, making it harder to determine whether the issue lies with the receptacle itself, the surrounding drywall, or a nearby gap.
In terms of accuracy, the Finder S1 is highly precise, with a sensitivity of 0.04°C and a maximum discrepancy of ±3.6°F (±2%). The device allows users to adjust emissivity settings and distance parameters for better accuracy across various materials, such as wood or bricks.
This is an essential tool for homeowners because it can reveal hidden problems that are otherwise difficult to detect. Homeowners can use it to spot issues such as faulty insulation, gaps around windows, or cracks in doors where cold air might seep in. By identifying these areas, homeowners can take targeted steps to improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the camera can uncover other hidden issues like heat loss in attic spaces or air leaks in ductwork.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Finder S1 is a feature-rich, affordable thermal imaging tool that offers excellent value for Android users. We at TechWalls highly recommend the product to homeowners, especially when it costs less than $100 at this time. For professional users or those working on intricate tasks, you might want to look for a more high-end model.
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